Chapter 49
Now, everyone has finally settled down. Everyone and not Isla. She sat stiffly, her hands pressed together on her lap, her thoughts drifting far away from the noise around her. She didn’t care about the gathering anymore. She only wanted the meeting to end so she could walk out as quickly as possible.
Her heart longed for quietness, for space. She was already considering resigning from her official position in the Wyndham companies. Maybe then she would finally have enough time for herself–time to breathe, to live freely without being pulled into their endless family drama.
was
No one knew about her little company, not even her parents. The only person she was close to–her grandfather -in–law, Alfred–was also in the dark. It wasn’t because she didn’t trust him. On the contrary, she trusted him more than anyone. But Isla knew Alfred too well. If he discovered her venture, he would insist on helping, and she didn’t want that. She wanted to build her success with her own two hands. No shortcuts. No favors.
Her wandering thoughts were cut short by the clear, authoritative voice of Mr. Stewart, the Wyndham family’s legal advisor.
“As you all know,” he began, adjusting his glasses as his gaze swept across the room, “Wyndham Real Estate, the mother company, has birthed several subsidiaries. Over the years, this family has built not just a company, but an empire p>
Silence filled the room. Even those who loved gossiping leaned forward.
Mr. Stewart continued, “Today, six major companies stand tall under this empire. However, there will be some adjustments in the offices of Presidents, Directors, and General Managers p>
The sound of murmurs filled the room. Wyatt shifted in his seat, Sia’s eyes glimmered with curiosity, and even Anna straightened with pride, as if she already knew where the matters were going.
The legal advisor raised his voice slightly to cut through the whispers. “Among these companies are the following:
The announcement triggered an eruption. Sia jumped to her feet, hugging her husband tightly, her face glowing with excitement. The rest of the family members surrounded them, offering handshakes and congratulations. Wyatt tried to appear calm and collected, but he couldn’t, he wasn’t expecting this.
Alfred looked around him. He scoffed inwardly, seeing how happy his family is right now. He knew this was all it took to keep peace in the family even though he knew that he might regret his decision.
“Please, let us settle,” Mr. Stewart called, waiting until the chatter softened before continuing.
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Gasps and applause followed. Anna’s grinning face was glowing under the chandelier’s soft golden light as she lifted her chin high, relishing the recognition, while Mia basked herself in the flood of congratulations that came her way. The room was alive with laughter, whispers, and pats on Mia’s shoulders.
But the atmosphere shifted when Mr. Stewart moved to the next announcement.
“5. Wyndham Steel. Mr. Norman Reed will continue as President p>
That was straightforward enough, but then came the part that silenced the room.
“ 6. Wyndham Wardrobe. The General Manager post was recently filled. However, due to personal reasons, Mrs. Isla Wyndham will resign from that office. Effective immediately, Miss Delphine Winthrope will assume the role of General Manager.
The room exploded again–but this time in shock.
Anna was the first to leap from her chair, clapping with exaggerated joy. “Finally! Finally, Justice!” she exclaimed, her voice carrying across the hall. Others quickly followed, surrounding Delphine with cheers, hugs, and smiles.
Delphine eyes widened. She was stunned. She barely processed her own name being announced. She hadn’t expected it, not at all. Her lips parted slightly as she let the congratulations wash over her.
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that Alfred would think of her–or even see her as family. She was left utterly speechless.
Gabriel, sitting next to Alfred, lifted his head sharply. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes flicked to his grandfather. Alfred, however, sat motionless, his expression unreadable. It was impossible to tell if he had planned this himself or allowed it to happen for reasons known only to him.
But while the rest of the room rejoiced, Isla’s lips curved into a soft smile. For the first time in that room, she smiled genuinely. It was as if Alfred had reached into her thoughts and answered her silent prayer. She mouthed across the room, “Thank you, Grandfather.” Alfred’s eyes flicked to her, and though he gave no smile, he offered the smallest of nods a silent acknowledgment.
John’s firm voice cut through the chaos. “Please, let us proceed p>
期
The noise died down, though whispers still lingered. Delphine, still dazed, risked a glance at Isla, perhaps expecting to see jealousy or bitterness. But Isla was calm, her eyes steady.
Then she turned her gaze to Gabriel–and froze. He was already watching her. Their eyes locked for a moment before they both looked away.
Mr. Stewart cleared his throat and pressed on. “One final matter. A new company within the Wyndham Empire will be officially launched in two months‘ time. Until then, the President of this new venture will not be announced p>
Everyone leaned forward in curiosity, but no names came. The mystery only added to the tension.
“Until then,” Mr. Stewart concluded, “Mr. Gabriel Wyndham remains the Chief Executive Officer of the entire Wyndham Empire. All Presidents, Directors, and General Managers are to report directly to him. He is entrusted
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with leading this empire forward with wisdom and strength p>
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Polite applause followed, though the room buzzed with unanswered questions. Follow current novᴇls on
Isla had heard enough. She rose gracefully, knowing that the meeting was over. She walked to Alfred, and pressed a respectful kiss to his forehead. She gave John a polite nod, then turned toward the door.
Gabriel stood almost immediately, his chair scraping softly against the floor. Without a single glance at the others, he followed her o
of the room.
And just like that, the noise of the family’s celebration was left behind.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.